The Dutch manager held a Press conference in Amsterdam ahead of the Wednesday evening international friendly.

“I have known Prandelli since my Bayern Munich played his Fiorentina in the Champions League. He is an excellent Coach. He is working a great deal on the attacking aspect with Italy as well as the traditional defensive movements,” said Van Gaal.

“We have great respect for Balotelli. He is an excellent striker and you can tell by the way his teammates always seek him for the pass. He never loses the ball and won’t waste it either, defending it to create the move.

“However, we must be wary, as El Shaarawy could well be even more dangerous than Balotelli.”

Van Gaal lost Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to injury, so called in Arjen Robben as a replacement.